Isle of Wight News- #IW NEWS Isle of Wight Gazette

A PEBBLE family has sprouted from Freshwater beach, and one of them is even throwing a pebble ball for a pebble dog. Their appearance was so surprising that even a seal stopped off to take a look.

Around a hundred people joined in to bring the figures to life over the weekend of July 16 – 17, collecting pebbles from the beach and filling the wire ‘bodies’.

The unique installation was designed and built by Penny Rushton of Wootton based Festival Arts (www.festivalarts.co.uk), who was commissioned by West Wight Landscape Project (WWLP) to make the sculpture. Her team of willing helpers included Bob Taylor, Irene Fletcher from WWLP, Brooke Engeldow and Jenny and Chloe Jackson .

The ‘skeletons’ of the people had to be made from scaffolding poles in order to take the weight of the stones. “They are anchored into blocks beneath the surface on the beach,” explained Penny.

“The foundations and galvanised wire structures had been constructed several weeks beforehand and had to be especially strong as the pebbles on Freshwater beach are very heavy because they’re made of flint,” she added.

Children from Yarmouth, All Saints and Weston Primary schools along with year 8 at West Wight Middle had made a special picnic for the people out of paper clay, based on their healthy eating studies. They had also made a selection of the sea creatures they had been studying.

These were all laid out between the pebble people, just in case they got peckish. All the materials had to be environmentally inert so that not a trace will be left on the beach when the sculpture is taken down in September.

A photographic competition for photos taken in the West Wight is being run during this time. For more details ask at Freshwater Bay Lifeboat Station or see www.wwlp.co.uk

“It was just a superb weekend – exhausting but rewarding,” said Penny. “It went like clockwork and it was the first time I’d seen a seal off of the Isle of Wight. He was swimming offshore from us and seemed to be watching what we were doing.”

VENTNOR were decisively beaten by 115 runs by Southern League Premier Division leaders Bournemouth at Chapel Gate.

The Dorset team batted first and were pegged back by Sean Nowak and Charlie Freeston who both impressed with the new ball as Nick Park’s side struggled to 72-3. When Roger Miller trapped Simon Ridley leg before on the stroke of lunch, Ventnor would have been happy with their morning’s work in restricting the table toppers to 126-4 from 36 overs.

David Beven’s impressive post lunch three wicket spell gave the Islanders further cause for optimism with Bournemouth eight down for 186. Not for first time this season, however, Freeston’s side were thwarted by a lower order partnership which added 58 for the ninth wicket as Park (56 not out) and Tom Wainwright (27 not out) led their side to 244-8 from 64 overs.

Ventnor’s hopes of a decent start were shattered within the opening overs as Matt Metcalfe, the League’s leading wicket taker, accounted for Mark Fletcher and Richard Wilson with only 23 runs on the board.

As the innings folded disappointingly, only Neil Westhorpe (37) and Rob Snell (36 not out) offered resistance as the visitors slipped to 129 all out in only 43 overs.

Ventnor face fellow stru- gglers St Cross Symondians at Newclose tomorrow (July 31) as the season enters a crucial phase. Their encounter with Lawrie Prittipaul’s side represents the eighth and final match in the time game format before the league reverts to the 50 over version for the remaining four weeks of the season.

Ventnor II took another step towards the Hampshire League Division 3 title with a narrow 13 run win over Old Tauntonians and Romsey at the Sports Centre.

On a pitch where batting was never straight forward, the Islanders were given a solid start by James Cheek (27) and Ben Woodhouse who went on to hit a crucial half century. The visitors failed to capitalise on that solid base, however, and slipped from 143-5 to 185 all out inside 42 overs, Henry Bartlett contributing 23.

The home side’s positive response saw them reach 57 without loss before Bartlett got to work. The young Ventnor all-rounder took 4-25 from an excellent ten over stint to reduce to hosts to 104-5 as the Islanders seized the initiative. As O T’s fought back, Mark Woodhouse’s team were made to work for their twelfth successive win before Darren Taylor (3-42) helped clinch victory in the final over.

Chasing a large Newport total of 260 in the Harwood’s League, a poor batting performance saw Ventnor’s third team dismissed for only 68.

EMERGENCY SERVICES, including specialist officers from IW Fire Service, were called to Tesco Superstore in Ryde after a suspicious powder was found by a member of Tesco staff.

The powder was found whilst a member of staff was breaking down a palette of barbeque charcoal. Staff alerted police who called in specialist officers from the hazmat unit.

“IW Ambulance was also called as a precaution.” said a Brigade spokesperson.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and IW Police confirmed they were called to an incident involving an unknown powder. The spokesperson went on to say that the powder was not found in a public area and no public were put at risk.

The store continued to trade as normal during the investigation, which at the end of police and fire established the powder to be of a food stuff.

BORN to a rich, upper-class British family, Florence Nightingale rebelled against the expected role for a woman of her status - to be a wife and mother.

Despite opposition from her family she entered nursing and became the famous ‘Lady with the lamp’ during the Crimean War. But was she really the ‘angel’ history portrays her to be?

Visitors to Carisbrooke Castle can find out her true story – and meet a host of equally legendary characters from the past – when a cast of rogues, villains and a sprinkling of heroes, descend on the historic site next Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug 3 and 4).

From 10am-5pm each day, families can listen to the myths and legends surrounding some favourite rogues.

Outlaw Robin Hood, Maid Marion and some of the band of Merry Men of Sherwood will be trying to outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. There will be wizardly antics with King Arthur and Merlin to enjoy and youngsters need to be ready to stand and deliver to a dastardly highwayman, listen to smugglers storytelling, and take part in have-a-go archery, jousting and sword fighting.

The event is part of the exciting English Heritage Time Travellers Go… programme which will be running around the country throughout the year, when participating children will be issued with a passport to use at each event they attend, collect a sticker and chart their progress towards becoming a fully fledged Time Traveller.

Normal admission prices apply: Adults £7.00, Concessions £6.00, Children £3.50, Family Ticket £17.50. English Heritage Members free. All children are welcome to join in the Time Travellers Go… events.

An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member, to help English Heritage fund this entertainment activity. Entrance to the event provides access to the castle’s attractions, including the chance to meet the castle’s four-legged ‘famous five’ – donkeys, Jack, Jill, Jimbob, Joseph and Jigsaw.

TEENAGERS Connor Gudgin and Jason Harper swept the board at the Ryde Saints Football Club’s Presentation Night.

The pair, along with Sam Woodmore, collected more than half the awards for the 2009-10 season. Connor claimed the under 18’s top scorer and the first team Most Improved award, while Jason won under 18 Players’ Player and the under 18s Manager’s player. Sam was the top reserve team goalscorer and also won the Reserves’ Players’ Player award.

Other players to win awards included Duncan Fleming, Tom Proctor, Des Murphy Junior, Russell Johnston, Josh Willet, Matt Thake and Adam McKenner.

For the coming season Pete Cotton moves into the managerial seat for the first team and Richard Aldric takes over the reserves. Des Murphy Snr will be managing the under 18s, sponsored by Wightlink in the highly competitive Hampshire County Youth League.

Georgina Cooke gave a report on the successful first few months of the new Ryde Saints girls team. They start their regular Saturday 10am training sessions at Ryde High School in September.

Training for the 1st, Reserves and under 18s teams continues at Salters Road, Haylands at 7pm every Thursday. All are welcome, please contact Des Murphy for further information on (01983) 615243.

THE MEN’S County Bowls finals day was dominated by the under 25s, with the highlight coming in the singles which was won by 14 year old Travis Meller from Shanklin Bowling Club.

Other under 25 winners were Robbi Hayes who won the under 25 singles and the fours, Adam Clark who won the pairs and Jack Berry who won in the triples and fours.

In the under 25 singles, Robbi from Shanklin was against Adam Clark of Cowes Medina, Robbi went in to an eight shot lead after five ends. Over the next four ends, Adam dragged himself back into the game and trailed by just one shot at 10 shots to 9, Robbi once again took control of the match and ran out to win by 21 shots to 11.

The men’s singles was a real battle between Travis Meller and John Marsh both from Shanklin. At five ends they were level, and at ten ends Travis had taken a four shot lead. However, John was not ready to give up, and at 15 ends, he trailed by just one shot. The game continued to be close, and at 20 ends, Travis was leading by 16 shots to 14. It took another four ends to get a final result which went in Travis’s favour as he ran out the winner by 21 shots to 16.

In the pairs the Cowes Medina duo of Adam Clark and Paul Dickinson played the Ventnor pair of Barry Bridgeman and Phil Turner. Early exchanges were very much in the fav- our of Adam and Paul, who opened up a seven shot lead, which was extended to 23 shots to 7 at 15 ends.

At this point Barry and Phil seemed to wake up to the fact that they were a long way behind and started to come back. Over the last six ends they scored 12 shots to Adam an Paul’s one, but it was to late as the Cowes Medina pair ran out winners by 24 to 19.

The triples final brought together the Shanklin trio of Ian Morey, Jack Berry and Bruce Marks, and the Cowes Medina team of Tony Partridge, Chris New and Peter Furmidge. Shanklin led by just two shots at five ends, but the Shanklin trio dominated the game for the next nine ends to lead by 18 shots to 6 at 14 ends. Once again the trailing team started to bowl again and scored eleven shots over the last four ends, but it was not enough, as Shanklin ran out winners by 19-17.

Cowes Medina and Shanklin came face to face again in the fours final with a Shanklin team comprising John Wilkins, Jack Berry, Phil Brooks and Robbi Hayes, against the Cowes Medina team of Simon New, Ben Mackett, Chris New and Peter Furmidge.

The match turned out to almost be a re-run of the triples as Shanklin took an early lead. They then put on the pressure and at fifteen ends were leading by 19-11. Cowes Medina started their come back too late and lost the match by 23-19.

The ladies finals turned out to be Red Letter day for Ryde Marina Bowling Club, as they won three of the five finals, with Ellie Barnes playing in all three.

The four wood singles final was an all Ventnor affair with Alpha Simpson getting the better of Auriol Ash by 21 shots to 13

The two wood final between Ellie and Margaret Haynes of Newport was a very closely fought match. The scores at the finish were level, and an extra end had to be played, the result going to Ellie 17-16..

The ladies pairs was played between the Shanklin’s Daphne Stanton and Joyce Wilson who beat the Ventnor pair of Judy Anderson and Alpha Simpson 24-16.

The triples was an all Ryde Marina match with Kath Tye, Ellie Barnes and Janet Green beating Hazel Vickery, Sandra Aldridge and Audrey Abraham 19-8.

The fours saw the Ryde Marina team of Daphne Osgood, Pauline Smith, Ellie Barnes and Janet Green play against the Plessey side of Margaret Arnell, Maureen Lockyer, Shireen Augustus and Pat Clayton, In a closely fought game Ryde Marina ran out winners 20-19.

The Ladies Benevolent Triples final was a close affair, with Daphne Stanton, Magrit Bartrum, and Joyce Wilson of Shanklin beating the Bembridge trio of Daphne Lacey, Sue Vian and Susan Green 12-11.

ABIGAIL’S KITCHEN in Watchbell Lane, Newport, has become the council’s ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme’s 1000th member to be given a maximum ‘five star’ rating.

Cllr. Barry Abrahams personally visited the food outlet in Watchbell Lane in Newport to present proprietor Abigail Raven with her certificate.

The award means that Abigail’s Kitchen has demonstrated a high level of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness. Inspectors were also impressed by the layout of the premises. It also includes a judgement on the likelihood of the business maintaining the standards in future.

“I was really pleased to get this award,” said Abigail who opened her doors in June this year. “We’ve worked really hard to come up to scratch. It’s my second five-star rating because I was also inspected at my home where I make cakes for weddings and parties.

“I began making cakes for friends and family and the hobby grew into a business,” she added. Abigail’s Kitchen sell take away sandwiches and home made cup cakes.

Scores on the Doors was set up in early 2007 and since then, every one of the Isle of Wight’s 1900+ food outlets have been inspected. All businesses are also subject to regular re-inspections.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for environmental health Barry Abraham said: “I congratulate Abigail’s Kitchen on becoming the one thousandth food outlet to achieve five stars.

“The news now means that over half of the Island’s food premises have achieved the top rating, with many more also obtaining four stars. This is very good news considering the sheer number of food businesses we have here.

“Scores on the Doors is very important because not only does it demonstrate to the public the hygiene levels of where they go for a meal, businesses also strive to improve their hygiene standards so they can get high scores. This gives them a free way of showing customers they take food hygiene seriously”

All food businesses that are inspected on the Isle of Wight receive a food hygiene rating which is published on the Council’s website. Catering businesses also receive a Scores on the Doors certificate to display. A variety of food outlets are inspected as part of the scheme, ranging from large restaurants, takeaways, company food canteens and cafes to kitchens in community clubs, retirement homes and traditional catering vehicles such as burger vans.

A full list and the scores of every outlet on the Island can be found at www.iwight.com/scoresonthedoors/

SANDOWN CARNIVAL was a great success on Wednesday (July 28) and many thought it was the largest they had seen in the town for a long time.

The Medina Marching Band and the Sandown Carnival Float, which was themed ‘Ayres Mill’, and even had a stream with running water on the float, led the parade. This wonderful float was in memory of past chairman of Sandown Carnival Committee, Alan Ayres, who died earlier this year.

Mas Fusion were in their marvelous colourful costumes and Europa the enormous white bull was one of the highlights of the parade.

“The quality of the entries was fantastic,” said parades officer of Sandown Carnival Committee. “It was all really high quality and the weather was kind to us this year.

“It made a really good evening and most people said it was the most number of people they’d ever seen and certainly the biggest carnival for many years.”

Queens Class

1st: Ventnor – ‘Holland’

2nd: Newport – ‘Olympus’

3rd: Shanklin – ‘Pretty as a Picture’

Youth Organisations and Associations

1st: Wight Strollers – ‘Bad Habits’

2nd: Broadlea Primary – ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

3rd: Wight Diamonds Marching Band – Celebration of anniversary

Trade

1st: Ryde Carnival Association – ‘Ryde Fantastic Journey’

2nd: Propeller Inn – ‘Sandown Safari’

3rd: Wight Zorbs

Individual Entries

1st: Atkinson Family – ‘Under the Sea’

Children’s Fancy Dress

1st: Eloise Preston – ‘Enchantica’

2nd: Callum Churches-Wingrove – ‘Jack in the Box’

3rd: David Rogers – ‘’Living Dead’

Adult Fancy Dress

1st: Sarah Jeremiah – ‘Peacock’

2nd: Emma Baxter – ‘Pink Flamingo’

Fancy Dress Groups

1st: Gales Family – ‘Wizard of Oz’

2nd: The Floor Fillers – ‘Dem Bones’

3rd: The Abe and Taylor Families – ‘Gothic Fairies’

Decorated Handcarts and cycles

1st: The Moody Family – ‘Little Waggon on the Prairie’

2nd: Amelia Churches-Wingrove – ‘Mummy’s Little Flower’

Schools and Community Groups

1st: Ryde High School – ‘Sails on the Waves’

2nd: Somerton and Love Lane Primary – ‘Wizard of Oz’

3rd: St John’s Primary – ‘To Infinity and Beyond’

Chairman’s Award in memory of Alan Ayres for most economic, effective and effort for an entry: Ventnor Scouts – ‘On the Farm’

Temperature Cup for the most time and effort in construction: Ventnor Queens

Best Overall Entry: Ventnor Queens

KICKING off this summer’s horticultural shows with a fantastic display of flowers and vegetables was the 114th Brighstone and District Horticultural Show. But this year there was also a special celebration as it is 100 years since scouting began in the village.

The Beavers, cubs and scouts marched into the arena to open the show in their special centenary polo shirts. Once assembled the scouts began to make four large catapults from pioneering poles and ropes and used them to launch sweets into the crowd.

De-camping to their large area at the show the youngsters invited the public to cook ‘twists’ – camp bread cooked over an open fire – and to have a go on the pea shooting range made from balloons and fizzy pop bottles.

To test your balance, there was also a slack line challenge – a four-inch strap suspended about 18 inches from the ground between two trees on which you had to walk.

Some of the scouts also made a Ballista – a Roman style catapult – and fired water bombs in the arena.

For younger children there was fishing in a paddling pool with hooked sticks.

“Our leaders were cooking pancakes, which were free to the public and there was a large photo display of our activities over the past 12 months,” said Scout leader and Scout in Charge, Terry Eastaff.

“Also Rob Snow, who has been associated with the group for 70 years, had assembled a display of photographs from the last 100 years of scouting in the village.”

In the horticultural marquee they had purchased a new cup for the occasion, the 1st Brighstone Centenary Cup. Beavers were asked to make plate faces with seeds and flowers, cubs made bird and mouse boxes and the scouts made knotting boards.

“It was an excellent day – everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” said Terry.

The girl guides were also celebrating – it is 100 years since the guiding movement began in Great Britain.

IW Gundogs brought their boisterous canine charges and gave a display of the working dogs before allowing children into the ring to pet them.

TOP OLYMPIC 470 sailor Saskia Clark has been to the Island to present Gurnard Sailing Club with the esteemed Volvo RYA Champion Club status for their commitment to youth sailing and the delivery of high level training at their club.

Saskia took time out of her busy 2012 preparations to offer the young Island sailors advice and inspiration at the culmination of Gurnard’s junior regatta weekend.

Saskia said “It was great to come to Gurnard and present the Volvo Champion Club award. Training and investing in our young sailors is so important, and the level of dedication which Gurnard shows is really inspiring. I love visiting the Isle of Wight, it’s one of the most beautiful places to sail and it’s great to see so many young people making the most of such a great location.”

Gurnard SC is the third sailing club on the Island to have been awarded this status. The Volvo RYA Champion Club Programme recognises sailing clubs who demonstrate a commitment to youth sailing and race coaching in the UK. It aims to encourage young sailors and windsurfers at grassroots level to stay in the sport and learn to compete, while encouraging clubs to introduce youngsters to the sport and help develop their skills. The key challenge for the programme is to encourage more young people to start participating in sailing and then progress with their racing careers.

Training principle at Gurnard Sailing Club Mark Harrison commented “This award enables us to continue developing young sailors and offering the best possible start to sailing. I am really proud of everyone’s efforts in working towards getting this Volvo Champion Club award, and we’ll keep on working hard to ensure we are working towards those high standards.”

Now Gurnard Sailing Club has been awarded the Volvo RYA Champion Club Status, the sailors will see increased levels of development advice and professional coaching including support from their local RYA High Performance Manager Chris Atherton, who happens to also be a member of the club.

Gurnard Sailing Club will also have access to the recent commitment from Sport England of £1.1m to the RYA’s flagship youth sailing initiatives, to further enhance club coach and volunteer development across England over the next three years.

SOLO OFFSHORE racing sailor Alex Thomson is encouraging people to get involved in a charity sailing challenge off the Island for children’s health charity Action Medical Research.

The charity, which is dedicated to helping sick babies and children, will be holding its second annual Sail the Solent challenge in October. In one long weekend teams of would-be sailors, from complete landlubbers to more experienced crewmates, will be trained by professionals to race 40-foot yachts around the Island.

Alex, who is based in Gosport, says: “Despite having sailed around the world, I always look forward to getting back to the Solent and no matter how many times I sail around the Isle of Wight I always enjoy the challenges that these infamous waters hold. Sail the Solent is a great introduction to sailing and is all for a fantastic cause. Once you get aboard you are sure to be hooked!”

The event is open to both individuals and teams and the adventure begins on Friday October 15. A professional skipper will teach all aspects of sailing from understanding the wind, setting the sails and taking the helm. The following Sunday is race day, with teams taking charge of their yachts under the watchful eye of their respective skippers.

Money raised will help fund research into medical conditions which affect babies and children. Places are limited so interested parties should register soon. For more information and to register visit www.action.org.uk/sailing

THOUSANDS of people across the UK took part in the London 2012 Open Weekend where hundreds of events took place to mark two years to go to the London Olympic Games.

As part of the celebrations Ryde Rowing Club offered a free “taster session” for anyone who wanted to try rowing. A small but enthusiastic group, all new to the sport, with ages ranging from eight to around 50 went along to the Ryde Club’s Appley Park Clubhouse.

They were given basic instruction using indoor rowing machines and then went afloat off Appley Beach in training sculls coached by a dedicated group of Ryde Rowing Clubs volunteer coaches including recent Henley Regatta winner Ollie Bottrell.

THIS WEEK saw a visit to the Island by judges from South and South East In Bloom, who were inspecting the gardens and green areas of Ryde, at the request of Ryde Town Council.

Cllr Graham Pearce, Chairman of the council’s Ryde in Bloom working party, said “The judges were assessing Ryde’s suitability and readiness to enter South and South East In Bloom next year. Although this is the first year since the re-launch of Ryde in Bloom, the standard of entries has been high, so we invited the judges over to give us an idea of how well we could do in a regional contest. They were very impressed by what they saw, and gave some very useful constructive criticism for next year”.

The visit involved a mini-bus tour of many of the interesting gardens and displays around Ryde and Binstead, starting with a look at the themed floral display on Western Gardens, cleverly designed and planted by the 8th Ryde Brownies. The group then had a trip around the heavily-wooded Play Lane Millennium Green, the newly-restored Ryde Cemetery, Ashley Gardens, and St John’s Road railway station. Afterwards the Mayor, Cllr Brian Harris, hosted a lunch in Joe’s, Union Street, attended by some of the gardeners, as well as the planting contractors, Island Grounds Maintenance, and Drainmaster IOW, the watering contractors.

Mike Fitt, OBE, Chairman of the Royal Parks Guild, and a member of the Ryde In Bloom working party, commented “Ryde benefits from the efforts of the Town Council in brightening up the town with its superb hanging baskets and planters, whilst encouraging local residents to ‘green the town’ by using their gardening skills and taking part in Ryde In Bloom. The judges from South and South East In Bloom took note of this and were very keen to come back next year.”

Mike, the former deputy CEO and Director of Parks, The Royal Parks, London, who moved to Ryde a few years ago, added, “Ryde also deserves to be better known for its wonderful green spaces such as Appley Park, looked after by the IW Council. This is the only park on the Island to be awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award in 2010”. Cllr Pearce also praised the IW Council for their work around Ryde, organised by Andy McIntyre, saying, “This year has been the best so far for displays in the various floral beds and gardens, and the town council, as well as visitors, has been very appreciative”.

Cllr Ivor Warlow produced a photographic display of nearly thirty gardens around Ryde. He said that, although they hadn’t been entered into the competition, they were of a quality high enough to be judged, and he hoped that the owners would consider entering them next year.

SINGING star Rick Astley is back on the Island this weekend as part of the 1980s Summer Concert being staged in the grounds of Osborne House.

Rick, who had a string of top five hits in the late 80s, has fond memories of previous visits here, and is now looking forward to being part of Sunday’s night music spectacular.

He will be in a star-studded line-up thatwill also include Bananarama, Belinda Carlisle, Howard Jones, Go West and ABC.

Rick spoke to The Gazette ahead of the concert to recall his trips to Cowes, and give an insight into what fans can expect on Sunday. He said: “I used to have a boat on the Hamble, so I often popped over to Cowes quite a lot. I have heard of Osborne House and have seen it from the water, so I am really looking forward to playing there.

“I know some of the other artists really well, from the 1980s and from touring with them more recently, and I sure it is going to be a lot of fun for us and the audience. It’s one of those occasions when you need everyone to go with the right attitude.”

Rick who had hits with the likes of ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ and ‘Whenever You Need Somebody’ continued: “Perhaps it’s a bit different when people go along to see someone like Simply Red, because they have to like them. But with our show, maybe some don’t like me, but go along to see the others, so there is something for everyone.

“I shall be doing all the old favourites – I think I had eight top 10 hits. I shall also be doing a new song called ‘Lights Out’ which has had quite a lot of air play on Radio 2. But generally on a night like this I tend not to do too much stuff because folk have come to hear all the old stuff and take a trip down Memory Lane.”

He added: “I’m afraid it will only be a flying visit because I am in Scarborough the night before, but like I said I have been the Cowes quite a lot, and I always enjoy the fish and chips there.

“My brother John has been there loads of times, and loves the Island. He says it is a place that has kept the good things that you want to look at again. There is something magical about the place, and even getting on the ferry to go over is an enjoyable experience. It’s stepping back in time, so to speak.

“I have been to the Isle of Man recently, and I think Island life is very unique; there is something charming about. I remember being there once to visit Mark King from Level 42. He co-wrote a couple of songs for one of my albums, and I have always been a big fan of Level 42. They are an amazing band, and Mark is a fantastic bloke.”

Former Pop Idol winner Will Young headlines at Osborne House tomorrow night (Sat) with special guest Lizzy Pattinson.

RAY MORTON, who skippered the Wightlink Islanders in the Premier League for many years, is to return to the track, albeit for one night only.

Ray, nicknamed the “Ripper” will ride in a special match race against another former Islander Scott Swain in the “Summer Special” to be held at Smallbrook on Thursday (Aug 5).

Ray was a big favourite at the Island and often visits to watch the team in the National League, having spent over ten years riding for the team. He was Captain in 2003 when the club won their biggest night of glory, beating Sheffield in the Knockout Cup Final, although injury prevented him actually riding in the final.

The vastly experienced Londoner started his career at Kings Lynn in Norfolk, before joining glamour club Wimbledon where amongst others he partnered the great Australian Todd Wiltshire. He also had spells at Reading and Hull, but his real love was the Island, so much so that he and his wife Faye brought a house and moved here.

Also in action will be Scott Swain, Scott joined the Islanders in 1998 and along with riders such as Wayne Carter, Steve Master, Danny Bird, Neville Tatum, lifted the Young Shield beating the so called “unstoppable” Peterborough Panther in the Grand Final.

After spending several seasons at the Island, Scott moved to Rye House, but an injury racing against Stoke ended his racing career.

Team manager Kevin Shepherd said: “These two names are bound to bring back great memories and probably spark a few rumours too, but I can assure everyone, it is for one night only, it would be great if a few of the other Islanders from the past could come too, but of course stars like Chris Holder (the new British Grand Prix Champion), Adam Shields and Davey Watt are still racing. But if any other ex-Islanders fancy a night out they’d be more than welcome.

Meanwhile a new rider has been signed whose identity will be revealed on Tuesday match against Weymouth in place of Ricky Scarboro, he is a rider of vast experience who the management feel will strengthen the team both home and away.

FORMED in 1975 by a group of forward-thinking Worcestershire farmers, Meadow Quality has grown to become the largest multi-species marketing group in England and Wales. Turnover in 2009 was just under £64,000,000. They market around 35,000 calves annually and a similar number of store and finished cattle.

They bring joined-up thinking and transparency to the marketing of calves, sheep, pigs and cattle to hundreds of livestock farmers across England and Wales.

Meadow Quality provides producers with unbiased advice and total financial security across the widest range of buyers for their livestock.

Their time-saving and cost effective service ensures farmer members have more time to do what they do best; producing some of the finest quality assured meats to a discerning meat supply chain. Meadow Quality customers range from the largest food retail chains through to local butcher’s shops.

IW COUNCIL leader David Pugh has found himself in the middle of a blazing row after suggesting the fire control centre on the Island could be scrapped.

Cllr Pugh has had his fingers burned for claiming on IW Radio that the control centre, which takes emergency 999 calls, could be closed and merged with the mainland as part of cost-cutting measures.

Immediate concerns have been raised that any such move put the safety of the public and firefighters at risk. Andrew Cooper, the control room’s branch chair of the Fire Brigade Union poured cold water on the idea to try to extinguish it before it spread.

He issued a statement saying: “Firefighters and Control members in the Isle of Wight Fire Control Centre wish to express their disappointment and concern at hearing the comments made by Cllr David Pugh, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, during an interview on Isle of Wight Radio.

“Mr. Pugh’s statements expose a lack of comprehension to the limitations of caller location technology and the importance of local knowledge in dealing with emergency 999 calls to the Fire Service.

“The role, knowledge, professionalism and exemplary level of service delivered by Firefighters (Control), in Newport, is integral to the safety of the public and Firefighters. Local knowledge is becoming more, not less important in dealing with emergency calls to the Fire Service, with rapidly changing methods of making telephone calls increasingly exposing the weaknesses in automated caller location technology.

“Mr Pugh is making comments about a frontline emergency service to the residents and visitors of the Isle of Wight. We believe his implied proposed changes would deliver an inferior level of service to the public and Firefighters of the Isle of Wight, with little or no savings to local council tax payers.

“The Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Government have repeatedly stated such services would not be cut or undermined by the strategic spending review. Mr Pugh is implying that the local austerity cuts will contradict this national position of the Government.

“Local Fire Control staff would welcome the opportunity for Mr. Pugh to meet with them so that he is made more fully aware of the role of Firefighters (Control) and delivery of the emergency service at a local level.”

In his interview Cllr Pugh told IW Radio listeners: ““While there may be some concerns in knowing localities and where places are, all the evidence shows that combining fire control with another part of the country maybe more cost effective. We wouldn’t be looking that far. We want to keep the fire service itself on the Island and modernise it.”

Chief Fire Officer, Paul Street, has spoken to The Gazette about the rumours insisting: “There have been no decisions and no detail. I am looking at all potential opportunities for efficiency all of the time on behalf of the authority.

“I’m speaking to another Chief Officer about efficiency options and should there be any outcome to these early discussions then I would, of course, start the consultation process with staff. At this stage there has been no decision. If any decision is made to move fire control from the Island it will have to be safe for Island residents.”

SANDOWN RESIDENT 79-year-old Philip Woodford was honoured with an invitation to Princess Anne’s 60th birthday garden party at Buckingham Palace, in recognition of his 50-year commitment to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.

He was also presented with an engraved barometer to commemorate his 50 years service to the Society at the newly refurbished collecting mine on Sandown Seafront.

Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners, Commodore Malcolm Williams CBE RN, who presented Philip with the award, said: “Philip is one of our longest serving and most dedicated honorary agents. It’s wonderful to see the pride he takes in maintaining the two mines at Shanklin and Sandown, which are, consequently, two of the best performing mines in the country. Last year the society received 744 new applications for assistance – the highest for five years - demonstrating the need for support for the seafaring and ex-seafaring community remains high. This means the hard work and dedication by honorary agents such as Philip is invaluable.”

Welding, fire-fighting and community campaigning have all featured in Philip’s half century of charity fundraising. Not only does Philip work around the clock in all weather conditions to keep the mines in pristine condition, he’s also fought a fire in the Sandown mine and led a two year campaign against its relocation

Under his care the two old war mines, converted into collecting boxes, have raised over £50,000 to support former merchant seamen and fishermen who have fallen on hard times.

Commenting on his visit to the palace, Philip said:

“It was pretty good. We have actually been to Buckingham Palace before, but last time we had to pay! My wife has always wanted to go there and she was 80 last year so we went on one of those tours. Of course this time we got in for free, which was very exciting.”

As well as maintaining the mines, Philip’s responsibili-ties include collecting and cleaning the money, which often throws up surprises.

“I find all sorts in the donation boxes. Lolly sticks, sweets, bottle tops, even foreign money. The money is often very sticky as kids pour fizzy drinks over it so it all has to be washed in colanders in the kitchen sink and then my wife Daphne dries it with her hairdryer. It’s quite a big job and takes a full day,” he said.

In addition to collecting the money, Philip visits the mine regularly to carry out minor repair jobs such as welding, scraping away rust and cleaning the mine before giving it a fresh coat of paint and polishing the brass.

“I can remember my very first day on the job, I noticed smoke coming out of the hole in one of the mines - someone had put a cigarette in the box and it had set fire to the cloth bag on the inside which holds the money. It was smoking so much everyone thought it was going to blow up!”

Philip’s dedication to the mines on the Isle of Wight has continued along the same vein ever since. When the council relocated the Sandown mine to a much quieter location away from the main road footpath to a position between the Southern Water Pump Station and public toilets, Philip launched a two year campaign urging the council to reconsider their decision.

After writing many letters to the council and with the support of the town centre manager and beach manager the council agreed to return the mine close to its original location.

“We really suffered when the mine was moved and donations dropped by 50 percent. It was tucked away where it didn’t get as much passing trade. It took a serious amount of effort to persuade the council to move it back again, but we did it in the end,” he said.

Now in his later years, Philip still sails regularly with the Bembridge Sailing Club, sailing an Illusion yacht all through the Winter from October 1, until April 30.

PARK LIFE was a great success last weekend with over 2,500 children, parents and grandparents attending the family fun themed event in Carisbrooke.

This was the fifth year for the totally free fun day organised by the ‘Revive’ team and run by a team of volunteers from eight different Newport churches, for the local community.

In the Vectis field opposite Carisbrooke Primary School, Park Life was set out like a mini festival with ‘Welcome to Park Life’ above the entrance. Inside there was a stage and main arena surrounded by marquees and tents dedicated to different activities.

One was a ‘Toddler Tent’, another had hair braiding and henna tattooing, you could have your feet washed in another and one was a chill out area. One marquee was an Adventure Centre with prizes donated by local businesses. There was also a bouncy castle and Andie Penn entertained everyone with magic and storytelling.

Activities were run from the main stage by Youth for Christ, who also do work with local schools. For one game a child had to recruit a parent who was then coated in shaving foam. The child then had to ‘stick’ as many Quaver crisps to the shaving foam before the end of the game.

Appearing on stage was the Nexus Band, a group of students taking a gap year to improve their musical skills in a Christian context.

Absolutely everything was free, except for refreshments that were only charged at cost – a cream tea was only £1.50!

Claire Doggett who is a director of Revive and helped to organise the day said: “I felt there was an amazing sense of everyone being happy, having fun, relaxing and enjoying themselves. I feel it succeeded in bringing people together from across the community.

“We estimated that there were between 2,500 and 3,000 who came over the three days,” she said. Park Life ran over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1pm till 4pm daily.

“We had a wonderful team of volunteers and we felt it was a great success.”

A WHOLE host of painters, sculptors, photographers, print- makers, potters, jewellers and crafts people opened their studios to the public over the last two weekends in the annual Open Studios event.

Now so popular that is has to be held over two weekends, there were 97 artists in studios and two outdoor ‘installations’ in the West Wight.

Eva Wolfram built an interactive labyrinth inspired by the skylarks that nest in the field in which it was built in Freshwater. Visitors were invited to help build the ‘nest’ around the structure with natural materials and walk it once it was finished.

Boris Moscoff had opened his studio space in the garden of his home – many artists use the space to create works, and Boris paints his eye-catching abstracts.

At Freshwater Parish Hall Gillian Chapman was making and showing her felt bags, bowls and even slippers. Some made with natural coloured wools and others with vibrant colours.

Jonathan Webster had a wide range of his land and seascapes – mainly the latter and of scenes in Cornwall and on the Island.

David Baggott had a selection of his carefully crafted clay sculptures of animals and people, painstakingly rendered and painted.

Sisters Sue Wright and Jude Allman had collaborated to produce items that combined Jude’s ceramics with Sue’s hand weaving, spinning and felting. Their mugs with ‘cosies’ sold out.

Lis Toft had brought her beautiful, often blue, porcelain and sterling sliver jewellery along with wheel thrown pots and sculpted pieces.

Murray Ince was painting a landscape and had many more on show, some of local landmarks. He also had portraits and hand carved house-names.

In Brighstone Joan Elis had opened the door of her thatched ‘Dream Cottage’ to visitors and to show her artistic pieces inspired by the sea. She combines driftwood, shells and other found objects to create unusual signs and artworks.

In Ventnor Annik Cullinane was showing her unique textile work and bold landscapes. More recent work included the dramatic cliff faces between Shanklin and Luccombe worked in mixed media in situ on the beach below.

Hannah Ray had a selection of her large portrait work throughout her home, with her latest black and white paintings of dancers gracing her studio wall. So lifelike are her paintings that some visitors refused to believe that they were not photographs.

AT GURNARD VILLAGE Hall Chris Gillies was working on a small seascape and had a selection of his stunning marine and costal scenes set off by their crisp white frames. An avid dingy sailor, Chris’s paintings often capture the light across the waters of the north Wight coast where he likes to sail.

Frank Jacobs was working on his latest watercolour and had a few of his lovely local land and seascapes on show.

Sally Pengelly was working on a small acrylic painting and had more on show including pastels and watercolours. Sally particularly likes to include people in her work – indulging in seaside and summer activities.

Tony Westmore was working on a marine landscape – a painting of large ship moored in Southampton, commissioned by a lady who was born on it, took pride of place in his display. Working in oils and acrylic, Tony’s work has evolved towards the abstract in recent years.

Jill Roe was carving a lino cut, but had examples of her beautiful silk paintings and watercolours too, including this village on top of a cliff (see pic).

In Church Road, Jamie Vans and Judy Swaffin Vans had opened their home to the public showing Jamie’s figurative gentle sculptures and Judy’s dream-like land and seascapes. In the photograph are Jamie and his sculpture ‘Trust’ in Cotswold Stone. On the wall behind is Judy’s stunning interpretation of the volcanic bay of Santorini.

In Newport Lester Hewitt found his visitors were admiring his house almost as much as his varied collection of paintings and drawings. He and wife June live in half of the famous philosopher and architect Robert Hooke’s former home in Shide.

Almost every picture Lester had painted told a story – the garden sheds were particularly inviting. With a background in illustration and architectural visual support, Lester has worked in areas as diverse as designing special effects for Dr Who.